Williams Is Ready for the Matchup

Kyle Williams thought about it during spring practice and through the summer.

If he got a free moment, even during a vacation, USC’s right tackle checked the Internet for information, gleaning anything he could about the subject of interest.

When third-ranked USC plays No. 21 Nebraska next Saturday, Williams will be well-versed about Cornhusker defensive ends Adam Carriker and Jay Moore, the latest in a long line of outstanding Nebraska pass rushers.

“Both of these guys are really good so it will be a good personal test for me, just to see what I’m capable of doing,” said Williams, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound fifth-year senior. “It’s more of a challenge for me, that’s how I’m looking at it. I’m really excited to do this.”

Carriker, 6 feet 6 and 295 pounds, is regarded as one of the top pro prospects at his position. He had six tackles, including one for a loss, in the Cornhuskers’ 56-7 victory over Nicholls State on Saturday.

Moore, 6-4 and 280 pounds, had four tackles, one for a loss.

Last year, Nebraska posted a nation-leading 50 sacks.

“I’m not going to lie, I don’t do this with every opponent,” said Williams, who backed up Winston Justice last season. “But so far, this is the biggest test.”

Over the weekend, Williams was scheduled to travel to Arizona so he could be with his wife, former USC swimmer Jana Krohn, and their baby daughter, Kylie Elizabeth.

Williams said fatherhood has settled him and made him a better player.

“During the dog days of training camp, I would think, ‘Just let me do my best. Let me leave everything I’ve got out on the field, so I can go see my daughter.’

“It gives you something to care for so much more.”

Pat Ruel, USC’s offensive line coach, said Williams and other Trojan linemen graded out well in the opener against Arkansas.

Ruel said the group would be prepared for Nebraska’s pass rush when the Cornhuskers visit the Coliseum.

“Our job is just to not ever take them lightly and prepare properly for them,” Ruel said. “I didn’t see anyone with a red cape and an S on their chest. I see good football players.”

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The Trojans are off again today and will return to practice on Monday.... USC is 1-0-1 against Nebraska. The Trojans defeated the Cornhuskers, 31-21, at Lincoln, Neb., in 1969. The teams played to a 21-21 tie at the Coliseum in 1970.